<p>As I am talking to people about college applications, I hear two different opinions on what top colleges are looking for. Most of the time people agree colleges are looking for well-rounded applicants, who do at least a little of everything. However, I have also heard that those who are focused in one area (more like an ellipse :P ) have a better chance of getting into the college they want. Which do you guys think is more correct? Maybe a little bit of both?</p>
<p>I don't think it is ever breadth at the expense of depth. They don't what jack of all trades and a master of none. Rather a person with some sort of passion (which is said all over this website). However, beyond that it depends. What seems to be true is that simply collecting EC's is not the best strategy. On the other hand, if you mean by focused simply getting stellar grades and test scores, that is generally not the way to go either. Assuming your meaning of Top schools reflects what is common on CC.</p>
<p>I actually think it depends on what kind of student you are. If you are a valedictorian trying to get in to Yale, then I imagine it would help to be well-rounded. Everyone applying there is smart, so you have to prove that you are smart but also have done more with your time in high school than just study, like play a few varsity sports.</p>
<p>If you are a less academically outstanding student, I imagine it would be better to portray yourself as focused. You stand out less with your academics, so you need to stand out with your strong interest. In other words, a counselor at a state school will read hundreds of apps with academics like yours. You need something else to make yours memorable.</p>
<p>EDIT: I also agree at never breadth at the expense of depth.</p>
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As I am talking to people about college applications, I hear two different opinions on what top colleges are looking for. Most of the time people agree colleges are looking for well-rounded applicants, who do at least a little of everything.
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The people that tell you that are not well informed; I hope this causes you to pause and think about what else they're telling you that's similarly misguided.</p>
<p>And you don't have to take my word for it; you can find it in the FAQ of many top colleges when they describe how they evaluate applicants. Here is an example from Stanford
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Students often assume our primary concern is the number of activities in which one participates. In fact, an exceptional depth of experience in one or two activities may demonstrate your passion more than minimal participation in five or six clubs. We want to see the impact you have had on that club, in your school, or in the larger community, and we want to learn of the impact that experience has had on you. Application</a> Evaluation : Stanford University
<p>The CEO of Princeton Review told me that colleges aren't looking for well-rounded kids-they want a well-rounded school. It makes sense for schools to want kids who are focused because that way, they get the best applicants from each area of interest. It's kind of analogous to a football team. I'd rather have the best quarterback, best line, and best receivers than eleven guys who are all ok at throwing, blocking, and catching.</p>
<p>Personally, I have no idea what shape I would be. While I do have a lot of focus in a few select areas, I'm also a member of some clubs in which I don't participate much. But I think that if adcoms see that you're passionate about a few EC's, they'll know that you aren't simply trying to join other clubs for the sake of joining.</p>
<p>Awesome advice. Thanks! I applied early action to MIT, and can't help but to feel nervous. I felt like I had to fill up every blank on the ec's and academic achievements. This was hard, because some of my ec's deserve way more than the allotted 40 words, and it felt wrong to place them by other ec's I am hardly involved with. Also, most of my effort is focused outside of school and not necessarily in competitions, so I felt like I was lacking in academic achievements. I guess I will just have to hope for the best! Once again, thanks for the opinions!</p>